Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan today announced that the Liberal and Nationals in Government will fund the Sawtell Pool’s critical upgrades providing Coffs Harbour City Council with $7 million to complete the planned updates of the much-loved facility.

Funds were initially awarded in 2021 with then Mayor Denise Knight spearheading the project before she retired in 2022. As a result of conflicting Council priorities since then, the funding was revoked after the Labor Government denied requests for the funding’s extension. Community need and demand has only increased since that time, and new Mayor Nikki Williams brought the worthy project back to the Mr. Conaghan’s attention.

The updated plans include an 8 lane 25m pool with accessibility lane, learn to swim pool and splash zone for kids as well as impressive new community amenities that will be added to provide a multifunctional building for all to enjoy.

“I’m pleased see this highly anticipated project back on the priority list for the Sawtell and wider Coffs Harbour community,” Mr. Conaghan said.

“The previous Coalition Government awarded $7 million in 2021 for both the Woolgoolga and Sawtell pools to be modernised and their facilities updated to provide an all-ages and all-abilities asset that everyone could enjoy.

“I know that it was a disappointment for the Sawtell community in particular to see this funding revoked after the plans had been widely circulated at that time. I am pleased to be able to make this announcement today and see this popular asset not only restored but revitalised for the local community as well as for our important tourist industry.”

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said that she had heard the community loud and clear and was pleased to be able to bring the important project back to becoming a reality.

“This pool is just so well loved and has been an important asset not just for Sawtell but for the City of Coffs Harbour more broadly. My office receives requests for updates on this important project daily! It is imperative that we retain, maintain and improve our existing assets so that they can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. This funding is the crucial first step in create an accessible, modern facility that our community deserves.”